A DOCTOR who is running 500 miles to improve the lives of young diabetics has been spurred on by his first success.

Dr Bill Lamb's marathon effort aims to raise thousands of pounds to buy the latest treatment for his patients at Bishop Auckland and Darlington.

The paediatric consultant wants to buy as many insulin pumps as he can for the children in his care, before expanding the service to the whole of the North-East.

He became frustrated with delays in obtaining funding from National Health Service sources and, in June, pledged to run 500 miles before September, when he will take part in the Great North Run and the Nottingham Marathon.

Hathaway Roofing, from Tindale Crescent, boosted his campaign by offering to buy the first £2,000 pump outright.

It was given to Sarah Maughan, from Hamsterley, one of four teenagers with diabetes recruited by Dr Lamb to research ways of improving the service.

The pumps give insulin continuously under the skin, removing the need for up to five daily injections to regulate blood-sugar levels.

Research shows that users suffer fewer complications and have a better overall quality of life.

Dr Lamb said: "Sarah, who became diabetic over 11 years ago, has had her insulin pump for two weeks now and can hardly believe how much it has improved the quality of her life. Before getting the pump, she was given as least five injections of insulin a day, which is over 1,800 a year."

Dr Lamb can be contacted on (01388) 455190, or his website at www.run500miles.com.